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Airbus Helicopters H135 vs Bell 429 Globalranger vs Leonardo Aw169

The Airbus Helicopters H135 is typically positioned as a light twin-engine rotorcraft for EMS, police, training, and short-to-medium utility missions. In category terms it sits in the light segment, with a commonly configured passenger capacity around five to seven depending on interior and mission kit, and a practical range that is generally in the mid-hundreds of nautical miles, optimized for regional legs rather than long point-to-point travel. The Bell 429 GlobalRanger is also a light twin, often viewed as slightly roomier and more performance-oriented in the same broad class. It is commonly configured for about six to seven passengers, and its typical range is likewise in the mid-hundreds of nautical miles, often competitive with or modestly ahead of the H135 depending on fuel, payload, and reserves. The Leonardo AW169 steps up into the intermediate twin category. It usually carries more passengers, commonly around eight to ten in transport layouts, and it generally offers longer legs—often pushing toward the upper end of the mid-hundreds of nautical miles—making it better suited to heavier loads, more cabin volume, and longer regional missions.

SpecAIRBUS H135Bell 429 GlobalRangerAGUSTA / LEONARDO AW169
Summary
Cockpit222
DOC / nm$ 6.33$ 6.29$ 11.84
Min Crew111
Total Seats9812
Flight RulesIFRIFRIFR
ManufacturerAirbus HelicoptersBellLeonardo
Aircraft NameH135429 GlobalRangerAW169
CertificationFAA / EASAFAA / EASAFAA / EASA
Max Range (nm)342365440
DOC / nm / Seat$ 0.79$ 0.79$ 0.99
Max Cabin Seats7610
OEM VerificationUn-VerifiedVERIFIEDUn-Verified
Useful Load (lbs)31242535
Standard Cabin Seats7610
Direct Operating Cost$ 861$ 931$ 1,658
Flight Deck (Base Spec)HelionixBell BasiX-ProEFIS
Max Cruise Speed (ktas)136148140
Base Aircraft Price (USD)$6,150,000$7,500,000 $9,450,000
Cabin
Cockpit222
Min Crew111
Total Seats9812
ConfigurationGreen Interior
Max Cabin Seats7610
Standard Cabin Seats7610
Engine
FADECYesYesYes
ModelArrius 2B2+PW207D1PW210A
Fuel TypeJetFuelJetFuelJetFuel
TBO (hrs)400040004000
Horsepower66011001000
No. of Engines222
Fuel Burn (gph)76
Fuel Capacity (gal)216.9
Dimensions
Length (ft)33.54348.1
Overall Height (ft)12.613.2514.8
Rotor Diameter (ft)3436
Cabin Volume (cu. ft)173130222.5
Width (ft)26.37
Cabin Width (ft)5
Cabin Height (ft)4
Cabin Length (ft)6.58
Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft)7449.5